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Alternative Spotlight: Michael John Jewelry
When it comes to working in alternative metals, many designers opt for an already-existing material but Michael Hezar of Michael John Jewelry created his own: a gold, ceramic and rhodium mixture he put to use in his Déjà Vu collection.
Michel John Jewelry’s 18-karat black rhodium gold pendant is set with round brilliant-cut and rose-cut multicolored diamonds ($4,750). “The combination of the rich, chocolate-like finish offers a chic look with a sophisticated and durable sheen,” Hezar said of the ceramic and rhodium mixture.
“As I frequently think outside of the box, I find satisfaction in creating alternative methods when designing jewelry and curating new collections,” he told National Jeweler. “In addition to the intensity of the color and its inherent shine, I take pride in having produced a mixture that can only be created by way of utilizing our unique formula.”
Hezar said creating the formula, which he didn’t give a specific name, took “some time,” as he usually tries different mixtures to fine-tune the final result. “At times, the end result is completely different than what I imagined,” he said. “We also test the final formula in different ways to make sure it’s durable and wearable.”
See 10 pieces from the Déjà Vu collection in this gallery. Although the metal is a gold, ceramic and rhodium mixture, descriptions appear as “18-karat black rhodium gold.” All prices listed are retail.
Michel John Jewelry’s 18-karat black rhodium gold pendant is set with round brilliant-cut and rose-cut multicolored diamonds ($4,750).
“The combination of the rich, chocolate-like finish offers a chic look with a sophisticated and durable sheen,” Hezar said of the ceramic and rhodium mixture.
This 18-karat black rhodium gold ring is set with a 1.31-carat brown diamond center stone, surrounded by round brilliant-cut and side brown diamonds ($15,500).
These earrings offer round brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds, all brown, set in 18-karat black rhodium gold ($28,750).
This 18-karat black rhodium gold band is set with round brilliant-cut and rose-cut brown diamonds ($5,650).
Another, slightly different band, this one also offers round brilliant-cut and rose-cut brown diamonds set in 18-karat black rhodium gold ($8,300).
This 18-karat black rhodium gold pendant necklace is set with 7.71 carats of rose-cut brown diamonds ($23,000).
This rose-cut diamond band is set in 18-karat black rhodium gold ($7,500).
These 18-karat black rhodium gold earrings are set with round brilliant-cut and rose-cut brown diamonds ($10,250).
This pendant, made in 18-karat black rhodium gold, is set with round brilliant-cut and rose-cut multicolored diamonds, as well as white diamonds ($4,750).
This band has round brilliant-cut and rose-cut brown diamonds set in 18-karat black rhodium gold ($15,000).
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